The most common known signs of carpal tunnel syndrome are numbness, pain, tingling, or weakness felt in the palm or the fingers. The symptoms can often occur in the hand and they are supplied by the median nerve: middle finger, index finger, half of the ring finger and the thumb. If your small finger isn’t affected at all, this might be a good sign that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, since the little finger is not controlled by the same nerve as all the other fingers.

The signs of carpal tunnel syndrome usually will occur in both of your hand, but are usually worse in one hand than in the other hand. You might first realize these symptoms during the night. Individuals who have carpal tunnel syndrome are generally able to sleep well, however the numbness or pain might soon wake them up.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptom

Mild instances of carpal tunnel generally affect the hand and at sometimes might spread to the forearm, but can radiate all the way up to the shoulder. Some of the signs of carpal tunnel syndrome might incorporate:

Pain or numbness in your wrist, forearm or hand that will wake you up at night. (moving or shaking your fingers can ease this pain and numbness.)

Occasional numbness, tingling, pain or needle-like sensation. This feeling is almost like your hand falling asleep.

Pain or numbness that will gradually get worse when you use your wrist or hand, especially when you grip an object in your hand or flex and bend your wrist.

Occasion pain that aches in your forearm between the wrist and the elbow.

Stiffness in the fingers when you first wake up in the morning.

With intermediate or severe signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, you might have the reduced strength or numbness and grip in your thumb, hand or all fingers. It might be challenging to:

Perform simple movements with the hand, like holding a fork or brushing your hair. You might drop objects on accident.

Pinch something between your fingers.

Use your thumb while you are performing simple tasks like using a screwdriver or opening a jar. With cases of long-lasting carpal tunnel, the muscles in the thumb might get weaker and smaller.

Not all pain that is in your hand or wrist is one of the signs of carpal tunnel. There are various other conditions that have the same kinds of signs.

Since carpal tunnel is generally caused by many different factors including the activities you do and your health, it is important to try to prevent it and take care of yourself. This may include not smoking, engaging in exercise regularly as well as staying at a weight that is healthy for you. Some other steps you can take might include:

Keeping your hand, finger and arm muscles flexible and strong

Stop any activities that might be causing pain and numbness in your wrist, hand or fingers.

Use different hands when you are repeating your motions. Take breaks to allow your hands to rest.